Salad Chain Sweetgreen Drops Seed Oils From Menu

Sweetgreen, the fast-casual salad chain, has officially ditched seed oils.

Jonathan Neman, Sweetgreen’s Co-Founder and CEO, announced the move on X (formerly Twitter): “At Sweetgreen, we believe the food we eat has a profound impact—not just on our health, but on our communities and the planet. Last year, we began removing seed oils—introducing extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil for roasting our vegetables and proteins. This shift was driven by our commitment to using thoughtfully chosen ingredients that align with both our values and the evolving preferences of our customers.”

In January 2025, Sweetgreen launched its first-ever seed-oil-free menu. Neman added, “We’re redefining fast food to prioritize real ingredients that fuel your body and inspire a healthier food system—one flavorful bite at a time.”

If you’ve been paying attention to the health conversation, seed oils have become a hot topic. Many health experts argue that oils like sunflower, canola, and soybean are highly processed and extracted using high heat, which can reduce their nutritional value and potentially introduce harmful compounds.  

As Neman added, “Extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are key to this shift, not just for their flavor, but for their health benefits and alignment with our values. These oils are minimally processed, rich in healthy fats, and free from the high-heat extraction methods used for seed oils like sunflower oil.”

“For us, it’s a calling we’ve felt from day one, a belief that food should be real, scratch-cooked, and sourced responsibly,” said Neman. He went on to emphasize the importance of supporting farmers and transitioning to organic practices. “Under this green roof, we’re committed to sourcing directly from farmers we know and trust, and who we’re proud to call friends.”

Fast food has long been associated with convenience over quality. “Fast food should mean fast access to quality food that’s both nourishing and sustainable. It can be done, and we’re committed to proving it,” Neman said.

Sweetgreen’s decision to prioritize health isn’t just good for customers; it’s proving good for business, too. According to their November 2024 financial report, Sweetgreen saw a 13% revenue increase in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. Same-store sales grew 6%, and restaurant-level profit margins hit an impressive 20%.

“Our strong third-quarter performance demonstrates that our focus on menu innovation showcasing seasonal ingredients and driving operational execution is working,” Neman noted. With over $173 million in revenue for the quarter and a focus on profitability, Sweetgreen is setting a high bar for fast-casual dining. Will it only be a matter of time until other restaurants do the same? For the sake of all of our health and well-being, I sure hope so.

Curious About Seed Oils?

Want to know more about why this change is such a big deal? Seed oils have been making headlines for their potential health risks, and it’s worth understanding what’s on your plate. Check out the article "This Is How Seed Oils Are Really Killing Us—And How You Can Avoid Them" to learn more.

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